RB Le'Veon Bell vs. LB C.J. Mosley
Two of the most gifted young players in the league will face off on opposite sides of the ball. The second-year pro Bell ranks second in the NFL in yards from scrimmage (1,086) and third in rushing yards (691). Mosley has provided an impact on Baltimore's defense from day one as he leads the Ravens with 73 tackles (46 solo). His takedown total leads all rookies and ranks fifth overall in the league. The Steelers have shown that they can use Bell in a variety of ways, but the Ravens and Mosley will try their best to squander any attempt.
WR Antonio Brown vs. WR Steve Smith Sr.
In a league that favors taller receivers, Brown and Smith Sr. continue to prove that the undersized wideouts should not be overlooked. Each pass catcher relies on their speed and physicality to win matchups against defensive backs. Brown ranks in the top-five in the NFL in receptions (60, first), receiving yards (852, second) and receiving touchdowns (seven, tied-fourth). Smith Sr. leads the Ravens in all receiving categories with 40 receptions for 675 yards and four receiving touchdowns. His receiving yardage ranks seventh in the league. There is mutual respect among the duo and the production of each will determine the success of their offense.
LB Jason Worilds vs. LB Elvis Dumervil
One of the keys to tonight's game will be getting pressure on the quarterback as each team possesses a Pro Bowl signal caller. Worilds is tied for second on the team with two sacks and has provided a consistent pass rush in recent weeks. Dumervil is back to his Pro Bowl form as he leads the Ravens with seven sacks, which is tied for fifth in the league. It's not a Steelers/Ravens rivalry without smash-mouth defense and the one that performs better tonight will likely leave Heinz Field with a win.
